How did diarrhea kill so many people before and now it’s not that big of a deal?

Question

Title really, is it just that our diet is better and decent food is much more abundant or is it just general hygiene?

In: 36

Answer 1

Severe, long-term dehydration was usually the main issue. Now we can treat the underlying infection more easily, and also give IV fluids to counteract the loss of water.

But it’s still a big issue in many parts of the world where sanitation and access to clean water and medicine is limited.